by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Branson, Mo. is the entertainment center of the middle part of the nation.
I had an opportunity to take in some of what the city had to offer.
Here is what I checked out.
THE SONS MUSIC CELEBRATION
Located in the Little Opry at Branson’s Imax Entertainment Complex, the Sons Music Celebration features dynamic three-part harmonies by one of Branson’s favorite vocal groups. Paying homage to artists such as John Denver, The Beatles and Elvis, The Sons deliver their own fresh and unique spin on classic covers in an intimate 10 a.m show that is sure to wake you up in the morning and send you about your day with a smile.
Established in 2005, The Sons features Barry, Rich, and Tom, all consummate professionals with a knack for crowd engagement, performing tunes from the ‘50s to the turn of the century in the genres of pop, country, bluegrass, gospel and patriotic.
WEBSITE: bransonimax.com (Click the drop-down option on the top right of the page that says “Live Shows”, then select your show of choice.
PHONE: (417)335-4832
OZARK LEGACY AND LEGEND
This documentary at the Branson Imax was filmed on location in the vast and natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. It is a cinematic retelling of the people and events that shaped the region from 1824 to the 1950s.
Follow the colorful cast of real life characters, including the famous vigilante group the Baldknobbers; the mischievous little red haired boy, McFarlain, as he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime through caverns; “haunted” cabins in the woods; and a simple violin that takes a winding journey of its own.
Wide shots and interesting angles are utilized to highlight the picturesque splendor of the Ozarks, and many different caves are featured (including the notable Cosmic, Fantastic, Blanchard Springs, Marvel, and numerous others) to portray a fictional unexplored cave system.
WEBSITE: bransonimax.com (Click the “Movies” option under the drop-down button in the top right corner)
PHONE: (417) 335-4832
PIERCE ARROW THEATER
Featuring a talented line up of four principal singers (performing lead, bass, tenor, and baritone, respectively), one hilarious comedian and a renowned live band, Pierce Arrow is one of Branson’s hottest and most popular shows, having sold well over 4 million tickets.
Now, this legendary show offers not one, but two stellar shows that you will not want to miss on your next trip to Branson. Read all about them below.
PIERCE ARROW’s DECADES
High energy and content-packed, from start to finish, “Decades” is a rousing new celebration of all your favorite music and artists from what many may call the greatest eras of music: the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
The entire quartet doesn’t miss a beat, seamlessly transitioning between nonstop musical numbers and choreography, all while interacting and engaging with the audience throughout the duration of the show. Lead singer, Chad Rudden is a standout, with smooth, powerful vocals and a wonderful stage presence, while resident comedian, James Sibley, brings nonstop laughs with his extremely unique, often shocking, and very funny comedy. Dan, the founder of Pierce Arrow, co-owns the theater with his wife. He does an outstanding job singing bass and even sells his own CD entitled “So-Low,” which is available in the gift shop after the show.
PIERCE ARROW COUNTRY:
A brand-new show, which just debuted in 2021, Pierce Arrow Country celebrates country history ranging from classic to modern day, complete with plenty of denim, wide buckle belts, cowboy hats and a touching “Salute to the Troops.” One chart topping hit after another by artists ranging from Tennessee Ernie Ford and Johnny Cash to Rascal Flatts and Dan + Shay, is brought to the stage by the award-winning quartet.
Four-time winner of “Comedian of the Year”, James Sibley, fills the show with laughs galore.
WEBSITE: piercearrow.com
PHONE: (417) 336-8742
JERRY PRESLEY’S GOD AND COUNTRY THEATRE:
Featuring a rotating line up of 15 world class shows, Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theatre is owned and operated by Elvis’s cousin, who stars in his own award winning, highly acclaimed, headlining tribute show at the theater. Previously a movie theater, God and Country Theatre features some of the comfiest seats-including special seating for the disabled- you’ll find in Branson with an expansive stage, state of the art lighting, and a large variety of available shows to pack your Branson vacation entertainment schedules with top-notch entertainment.
Here are a couple of my recommendations:
A NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE
Starring Keith Allyn, an acclaimed tribute artist who has portrayed the “Sweet Caroline” singer in countless shows around the world, this show is an ultimate tribute, paying homage to not only the crooner’s impressive repertoire of hits, but also the stories and inspirations behind his songwriting process. Featuring Diamond’s greatest and most popular tunes, including “I’m a Believer,” “Solitary Man,” “America,” “I Am, I Said,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” and of course, “Sweet Caroline,” “A Neil Diamond Tribute” also highlights some of the legendary singers quirky and more obscure songs, for which Diamond has become just as well revered as his mainstream mega hits by his diehard fans. Bearing striking resemblance in both appearance, mannerism, and vocal quality to the original, Allyn also uses this show as a platform to honor his equally talented wife, Diana Lynn, who suggested he create his (now successful) Neil Diamond tribute show after several failed comedy and impersonation show attempts.
CARPENTERS ONCE MORE
Immensely gifted tribute artist, Diana Lynn pays beautiful tribute to one of pop music’s most memorable and famed sibling duos, The Carpenters, in a show that truly stands out in the entertainment circuit as one of shockingly few Carpenters’ tribute shows. Interesting information about the talented siblings’ personal and professional lives are presented in a series of verbal presentations, as well as photos and video slide shows.
Highlighting famous tracks such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Superstar” and “Top of the World,” “Carpenters Once More” is a touching nostalgic tribute, performed with the objective to keep the music alive of a tremendous talent that left us far too soon.
WEBSITE: Godandcountrytheatre.com
PHONE: (417) 334-6806
THE MANSION THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The largest venue in Branson, boasting 3,000 seats, a spacious lobby, a magnificent staircase, and an architectural design that lives up to its name, The Mansion Theatre is a destination for world class concerts, award-winning Broadway productions and inspired dance performances. Always offering a new and exciting experience, be sure to follow the theater closely on their website and all major social media platforms for up-to-date concert and special event announcements.
Here are two stellar concerts we witnessed on the theater’s incredible stage:
WEBSITE: themansiontheatre.com
PHONE: (417) 385-1118
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
Founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the group made the transition from gospel to southern gospel, to country following the success of several hits, before their status as full-fledged country superstars was cemented by the 1981 release of their mega-hit, “Elvira,” which, contrary to what many might believe, was actually written about a street in Nashville. Extremely charming, personable, and down to earth during our backstage pre-show interview, The Oak Ridge Boys brought their signature style and tight vocal harmony to the stage throughout the course of their exceptional two-hour concert, featuring all the group’s biggest hits, tracks from their latest album release, “Front Porch Singin’,” and inspirational gospel tunes. The audience was brought to their feet in a fit of rousing applause when the signature “Oom Papa Mau Mau” was sung, and listeners of my show, Backstage Pass on IHeart Radio and FCB Radio Network are in for a real treat as the Oak Ridge Boys sing an excerpt of their record-breaking smash hit, Elvira, exclusively for Backstage Pass.
Listen to the full episode here: https://iheart.com/podcast/966-backstage-pass-with-victor-30063660/episode/ep-130-guests-the-oak-88001778/
Website: oakridgeboys.com
DAILEY AND VINCENT:
Composed of Jamie Dailey (guitar, bass, vocals) and Darrin Vincent (mandolin, guitar, bass, and vocals), Dailey and Vincent feature a mix of bluegrass, country, and gospel music. Drawing from their extensive careers playing various instruments, both solo and in conjunction with other artists, Dailey and Vincent joined forces in 2007 and have since experienced massive success following the 2008 release of their debut album.
Although primarily a bluegrass group, the duo’s concert sets shift effortlessly from country, to gospel, with essences of noir folk lyricism and a bit of Americana thrown into the mix as well. Unable to be defined, Daily and Vincent continue to expand their large and dedicated fan base with near constant tours, frequently releasing new albums, singles, and appearing in holiday concerts.
HAMNER’S VARIETY THEATER:
Six unbelievable shows can be experienced in this landmark theater, each which has deservedly garnered an impressive roster of trophies in the Branson awards show circuit.
One of the headlining shows at the venue is “Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Show,” starring Dave and Denise Hamner, along with a troupe of wildly talented performers, including Russian aerialist, Mariya Serykh; the Cyr Wheel artist, Anthony Soumiatin; extremely accurate and entertaining impressions, presented by Jeff Brandt; vocals by Tamara Tinoco; and dance routines by the artistic and creative Kenny Brown and Sharie Nievar.
Joining the incredible cast, is a breathtakingly beautiful variety of the Hamner Couple’s feathered, beaked friends, their trained tropical, parrots, who execute incredible feats with ease, often flying right above the audience’s heads during certain portions of the show.
Also joining the cast is fan favorite, Gakita, a lively gorilla, who is sure to thrill you with her antics and is available for a one-on-one meet and greet and photo ops during intermission.
“Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Show” pays tribute to the great variety shows of yesteryear, with non-stop, action-packed content that will mesmerize everyone in the family!
WEBSITE: hamnersunbelievable.com
PHONE: (417)334-4363
THE SEDAKA SONGBOOK
Starring Lee Hendrix, who also serves as key pianist for Mickey Gilley, The Sedaka Songbook is one of the most highly informative tribute shows we have ever witnessed, featuring extremely immersive, rapid-fire entertainment, laced with trivia and easy to follow factoids about Sedaka’s life and career that will leave you with a newfound respect for this incredible artist.
Joined by Branson Terry Award winning female vocalist, Deana Edwards, who sings female lead in the featured numbers by The Carpenters, Connie Francis, and Captain and Tennille, Hendrix (in addition to killer vocals) is also a highly skilled pianist with a gift for speaking as he presents little known Sedaka information in a fast paced, and entertaining manner.
Sedaka was also known for penning chart topping hits for other artists, as well as the plethora of hits he wrote for himself as a performer, and many of these songs are incorporated into the show, including, “Bad Blood,” “Oh Carol,” “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” “Solitaire” and “Stairway to Heaven.”
PHONE: (417) 849-8331
AMAZING PETS
Located at the Grand Country Theater, “Amazing Pets” stars emcee “Applejack,” one of Branson’s favorite comedians, Shannon Thomason, who carries the show and engages kids of all ages with his audience interaction and endless likability, a cast of decorated Russian family animal trainers, and of course, the headliners of the show: a cast of furry, four-legged pet stars, many of whom are rescues. Sure to delight the kids in your group, this show features remarkable acrobatics and feats of feline agility, performing parrots soaring freely throughout the theater, and canines performing amazing acts from dances to interactive bits, while wearing adorable custom fashions.
Animal lovers are sure to appreciate these furry performers who display dazzling talent, focus, and discipline, all coming together to create a highly entertaining and unique show experience.
WEBSITE: grandcountry.com
PHONE: (417) 335-2484
Victoria Henley’s Backstage Pass can be heard on IHeart Radio/ FCB Radio. She writes regularly for CTFashionMag.com.